Beef Enchilada Tator Tot Casserole Recipe (2024)

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Easy beef enchilada tator tot casserole recipe is a family favorite. You get all the flavor of easy beef enchiladas without all the work! This is one amazing tator tot casserole that your entire family is going to love.

Beef Enchilada Tator Tot Casserole Recipe (1)

Easy Beef Enchilada Tator Tot Casserole Recipe:

Mexican food is one of my favorite types of meals. Plus we are big fans of tator tots, so I decided to combine two of my favorite foods and make this Easy Beef Enchilada Tator Tot Casserole.

The combination of the taco seasoning mixed the ground beef and cheese and then topped with tator tots, makes this an very tasty meal. If you love myCheeseburger Tator Tot Casserole Recipethen you are going to go crazy over this easy recipe.

When you think of enchilada’s you think about ground beef or chicken wrapped in a flour tortilla or corn tortillas or putting tortillas on top. But we decided that it is always good to change things up, so tator tots it was. We are so happy with this change.

You may also love this Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe.

Beef Enchilada Tator Tot Casserole Recipe (2)

The right casserole dish!

Now before you start, make sure you have a nice9×13 casserole dish. You can always make it in a smaller pan and freeze the other half.

Or if you want to make clean up a breeze try using one of thesefoil pans. They are great because you just throw them away when you are done. We use them often so help out on those crazy busy nights.

Beef Enchilada Tator Tot Casserole Recipe (3)

Easy beef enchiladas in a fun tator tot casserole!

We love making casseroles. Everything is cooked together and can always be served by itself or with some tasty sides. This beef enchilada casserole was so fun to make and even my daughter was impressed how easy and fun this casserole was to put together.

I started layering the casserole with ground beef that was mixed with the taco seasoning, rotel and enchilada sauce. Then I topped the beef mixture with cheese and then the tator tots.

What made this very easy was I already had the ground beef frozen, so all I had to do was heat it up and dinner was in the oven in no time.

Beef Enchilada Tator Tot Casserole Recipe (4)

Ingredients:

  • Ground Beef
  • Rotel
  • Taco Seasoning
  • Garlic Salt
  • Red Enchilada Sauce
  • Tator Tots
  • Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese

How to make Beef Enchilada Tator Tot Casserole recipe:

  • Preheat oven – Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease your 9×13 pan.
  • Brown the ground beef – Cook your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. When I am making a meal with ground beef, I like to double the amount of meat I am browning so I can freeze for later. You can add in some onion and cook with the meat.
  • Mix in Seasoning – Stir in the taco seasoning, garlic salt, and the can of Rotel.
  • Add in Sauce – Mix in a can of Red Enchilada sauce. Did you know that you can make Homemade Enchilada Sauce. It is so easy to make. Get the recipe here.
Beef Enchilada Tator Tot Casserole Recipe (5)
  • Place in baking dish – After the meat is cooked and mixed with the seasoning and sauces, place at the bottom of the greased 9×13 baking pan.
  • Top with cheese – Spread out about a cup of cheese over the ground beef. A couple of my kids do not like a lot of cheese. You can definitely top one half that is light on the cheese. That is what we do.
Beef Enchilada Tator Tot Casserole Recipe (6)
  • Top with Tots – Place one layer of tator tots over the casserole. My daughter helped with this part. We used Frozen Tator Tots. So you do not need to cook them before baking this casserole.
  • Time to Bake – Baked at 375 degrees for 25 minutes uncovered.
Beef Enchilada Tator Tot Casserole Recipe (7)
  • Top with Cheese – Sprinkle with the Monterey Jack cheese and put back in the oven until melted.
  • Serve and Enjoy – Serve immediately with your favorite enchilada toppings.
  • Add your favorite Toppings – We love green onions, sour cream and tomatoes.

What to serve with Tator Tot Casserole:

We like to keep things simple around my house. When serving this meal here are some of the easy sides that we like:

  • A Big Green Salad
  • Easy Crock Pot Refried Beans
  • The Best Crock Pot White Cheese Dip
  • A great way to get my family to eat my vegetables is to make a vegetable tray. When I make a heavy meal like this casserole, I like to have a vegetable tray.

Tator Tot Topping Ideas:

  • Sour Cream
  • Green Onions
  • Salsa
  • Tomatoes
  • Cilantro
Beef Enchilada Tator Tot Casserole Recipe (8)

Variation Ideas:

We love recipes that you add some variation too. This recipe is great because there are many things to add to this recipe.

  • Toss in some corn
  • Mix in some black beans
  • You can serve over rice for a beef enchilada tator tot bowl
  • Add in some jalapeno’s for a little spice to the casserole

How to Freeze Beef Enchilada Tator Tot Casserole:

In case you love freezer cooking like me you are going to love that this tator tot casserole recipe is completely freezer friendly.

You simply make the casserole as directed. Go ahead and add the Monterey Jack cheese on top before cooking. Then instead of cooking, cover with foil and freeze.

How to store:

If you have leftovers that are going to be eaten within a few days, then I would store in the refrigerator. Just place in an airtight container and it will be good for 3-5 days.

This casserole makes the perfect lunch the next day.

How to reheat Tator Tot Casserole:

When you are ready to cook, allow it to thaw completely. Then baked for 30 minutes until heated and the cheese is melted.

If you do not want to thaw it, cook it covered for 1 hour and then uncover and cook for 20 minutes. It is that easy

Crowd Pleaser!

We love having our friends and family over for the big game or just to hang out. We usually serve a big pot of chili or soup. But I had all the ingredients needed for the Beef Enchilada Tator Tot Casserole.

Since I already had the ground beef cooked, it was so easy to make this casserole. Everyone could put their favorite toppings on their casserole and everyone loved the change.

So next time you need a meal that has easy ingredients and that makes a lot, I would recommend this casserole. You can’t go wrong with a Mexican Casserole mixed with some crispy tator tots.

Beef Enchilada Tator Tot Casserole Recipe (10)

Print the recipe below:

Beef Enchilada Tator Tot Casserole Recipe (11)

Review

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Easy Beef Enchilada Tator Tot Casserole Recipe

4.93 from 14 votes

If you love tator tot casseroles, you will love this easy beef enchilada tator tot casserole recipe. All the flavors of beef enchiladas in a casserole.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 8

Cuisine Mexican

Course casserole, Main Course

Calories 795

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

  • Brown the ground beef and drain off any excess grease.

  • Stir in the taco seasoning, garlic salt, and the can of Rotel.

  • Mix in a can of Red Enchilada sauce.

  • Place this mixture at the bottom of the greased 9×13 baking pan.

  • Spread out half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the ground beef.

  • Place one layer of tator tots over the casserole.

  • Baked for 25 minutes uncovered.

  • Sprinkle with the Monterey Jack cheese and the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Bake for 3-5 more minutes until the cheese is melted.

  • Serve immediately with your favorite enchilada toppings.

Recipe Notes

*Refrigerate the leftovers in an air tight container for up 5-7 days.

*When serving, top this casserole with your favorite enchilada toppings. I love topping it with sour cream, olives, red onions and tomatoes.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 795kcal, Carbohydrates 35g, Protein 40g, Fat 55g, Saturated Fat 25g, Polyunsaturated Fat 4g, Monounsaturated Fat 21g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 150mg, Sodium 1650mg, Potassium 754mg, Fiber 3g, Sugar 4g, Vitamin A 984IU, Vitamin C 13mg, Calcium 566mg, Iron 4mg

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Try some of these other easy casserole recipes

  • Cheeseburger Tator Tot Casserole Recipe
  • Taco Lasagna Recipe
  • Cowboy Casserole Recipe
  • How to Make Hamburger Casserole
Beef Enchilada Tator Tot Casserole Recipe (12)

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About the Author

Beef Enchilada Tator Tot Casserole Recipe (21)

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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Beef Enchilada Tator Tot Casserole Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is my Tater Tot casserole soggy? ›

Why is my tater tot casserole soggy? If your casserole is soggy, it's likely either because there was too much moisture or it has not baked long enough. Be sure to sauté the onions thoroughly, and bake until the filling is bubbly.

What goes good with a Tater Tot casserole? ›

What can I serve this with? This tater tot casserole could be served as a side dish itself alongside roasted meats such as roast chicken, turkey, beef or ham. If you're serving this as the main dish then why not try serving this tater tot casserole with green beans, spinach, or a bountiful fresh salad.

What is Tater Tot casserole made of? ›

In a casserole dish, combine ground beef, sauteed onion, cream of celery soup. Top mixture with tater tots. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over top of tater tots. Bake in oven for 30-40 minutes.

What can I substitute for tater tots in casserole? ›

This recipes takes the flavors of the classic tater tots & infuses that flavor into a much healthier alternative – shredded zucchini.

What is the difference between a tater tot Hotdish and a tater tot casserole? ›

But, while anything baked in a casserole can be called a casserole, the Midwestern preparation known as "hotdish" is much more specific. A hotdish always consists of meat, vegetables, a starch, and sauce—it's not a side dish, but an entire meal unto itself.

Should you thaw tater tots before baking? ›

In fact, it's recommended to bake them from frozen to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy on the outside. What temperature should I bake frozen tater tots at? Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) before baking the frozen tater tots. This high temperature will help them become crispy without becoming soggy.

What state is known for Tater Tot Casserole? ›

If you grew up in the Midwest or even if you're new to the area, chances are you've heard about the Minnesota tater tot hotdish. Hotdish is the unofficial state cuisine of Minnesota and a go-to for busy families.

What meat goes with tater tots? ›

Tots add a nice crunch to any sandwich, especially a melty grilled cheese. Change up the meat and cheese depending on what you and your kid's like. Grilled ham and Swiss sandwiches, and turkey cheddar melts, are both even better with tots.

Is Tater Tot Casserole a Midwest thing? ›

This tater tot casserole is a family favorite Midwest comfort food that's layered with tender veggies and ground beef in a creamy gravy topped with melted cheese and tater tots.

What country is tater tot casserole from? ›

Hotdish
A tater tot hotdish
CourseMain or side dish
Place of originUnited States
Region or stateUpper Midwest
Main ingredientsStarch (potatoes, pasta, etc.), cream soup (typically cream of mushroom), meat, vegetables

What is Minnesota hot dish? ›

A traditional main course, hot dish is cooked and served hot in a single baking dish and commonly appears at family reunions and church suppers. Hotdish is constructed on a base of canned cream of mushroom soup and canned vegetables. The other ingredients are as varied as the Minnesota landscape.

What were tater tots originally called? ›

Tater Tots History and Popularity

Created by Ore-Ida in the 1950s to limit waste during french fry production, tater tots (also known as potato rounds) have come a long way from their humble origin.

Can I use shredded hash browns instead of tater tots? ›

Can I use frozen hash browns instead of tater tots? Yes, you can, but the texture will vary slightly.

How do I get the crispiest tater tots? ›

A longer cook time will cause the tots to shrink and dry out a little, which makes them even crispier all around on the outside with a potato-y center that's more dense and creamy.

Why do fries and tater tots taste different? ›

You might think tater tots would taste like fries, but fries are just chunks of potatoes that are fried. Tots are potatoes chopped up into tiny bits, then mixed with seasonings and binder (corn flour, I think), so they taste slightly different, as well as having a different consistency.…

How do you make a casserole not soggy? ›

To prevent a soggy top and a firm or crunchy bottom, it's important to use a shallow baking dish, to cook the casserole at the correct oven temperature and for the appropriate amount of time, and to be mindful of the amount of liquid used in the recipe.

How do you fix a wet casserole? ›

Thicken a meat casserole the most popular way with flour.

This way, the flour will soak up the juices and fat in the pan. Add about one teaspoon of flour at a time until you get the right thickness. Use oatmeal four if you have a gluten allergy.

Why is my hash brown casserole soggy? ›

Frozen hash browns will leak moisture during cooking, which could leave a soggy, sad mess behind. For the best results, let the frozen hash browns thaw overnight in the fridge, then thoroughly pat them dry to remove as much moisture as possible before cooking them to crispy.

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